Car Accident Attorneys in New Jersey

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in New Jersey. In 2023 alone, there were 574 fatal crashes resulting in 606 deaths across the state. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, understanding your rights and the legal landscape is crucial.At Mallon and Tranger, our experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. Serving clients throughout Monmouth County and beyond, we provide personalized legal strategies tailored to each unique case.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Understanding the most frequent causes of car accidents in New Jersey is essential not only for prevention but also for determining liability in the aftermath of a crash. From densely populated cities to winding rural roads, motorists across the state face a variety of risks every time they get behind the wheel. Whether the accident occurs in Freehold or anywhere else in the Garden State, the contributing factors often follow similar patterns.

According to the New Jersey State Police, there were 574 fatal crashes in the state in 2023, resulting in 606 deaths. Many of these fatalities, and thousands of additional injury-causing accidents, could have been avoided with safer driving behavior, improved vehicle maintenance, or better road conditions. Source: NJ State Police Fatal Crash Report 2023

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in New Jersey

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, scroll social media, eat, or use navigation apps while driving put themselves and others at serious risk. In 2023, distracted driving remained one of the most cited contributing factors in both fatal and injury crashes across New Jersey. Even a two-second distraction can result in rear-end crashes or lane departures.
• Speeding: Driving over the posted limit or too fast for conditions significantly increases crash severity. High-speed crashes are more likely to result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries. According to 2023 crash data, speeding was a contributing factor in dozens of fatal accidents in New Jersey, particularly on highways and rural roads.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drug impairment continues to be a deadly contributor to crashes. In New Jersey, 25.6% of traffic fatalities in 2023 involved drivers who had consumed alcohol. These impaired drivers often have slowed reaction times and poor decision-making, leading to head-on collisions, red-light violations, or failure to yield.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, sleet, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and traction, especially for vehicles with worn tires or faulty brakes. Hydroplaning, black ice, and reduced stopping distances are common in winter months across areas like Toms River and Oakhurst, increasing the risk of spinouts or multi-car crashes.
• Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures: A sudden tire blowout, brake failure, steering malfunction, or engine stall can cause a driver to lose control. In some cases, liability may extend to the vehicle manufacturer or a maintenance provider if the defect was due to negligence.
• Roadway Hazards: Broken pavement, unmarked construction zones, poor signage, or missing guardrails can all lead to crashes. In cases where road design or maintenance is a contributing factor, municipalities or contractors may bear some legal responsibility.

Types of Car Accidents in New Jersey

Different types of crashes present different legal, physical, and financial challenges. At Mallon and Tranger, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of accident scenarios across New Jersey. Here are some of the most common:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often the result of distracted driving or following too closely, rear-end crashes are especially common in traffic-heavy areas. These accidents frequently lead to whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries.
• T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents: Occur most often at intersections, usually when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light. These crashes are particularly dangerous for occupants on the side of impact and often cause serious chest, rib, or abdominal injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: Among the deadliest crash types, head-on collisions may result from wrong-way driving, crossing the centerline, or attempting unsafe passing. These accidents often occur at high speeds and may involve multiple fatalities.
• Rollover Accidents: Vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks are more prone to rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns too quickly or after a side-impact collision. Rollover crashes can eject occupants and often lead to severe injuries or death.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Common on New Jersey highways such as the Garden State Parkway or I-195, pileups can involve multiple cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. These crashes make determining fault more complex and often involve numerous insurance carriers.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: These occur when a driver causes a crash and then flees the scene. In 2023, New Jersey recorded 41 fatal hit-and-run accidents involving 66 vehicles, and countless more non-fatal cases go unresolved without legal representation.

Emerging Trends in New Jersey Car Accidents

In addition to traditional crash causes, several new patterns are contributing to accident rates across the state:

• Increased Use of Electric Scooters and Bicycles: As micromobility increases, more crashes are occurring between motor vehicles and electric scooters or e-bikes, particularly in urban centers.
• Rise in Aggressive Driving: Road rage incidents, rapid lane changes, tailgating, and brake-checking have been on the rise, contributing to both minor and serious collisions.
• Teen and Inexperienced Drivers: According to the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, teen drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in serious crashes due to inexperience, distraction, and risk-taking behavior.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some may be immediately obvious, while others develop subtly over time. Even seemingly minor crashes can cause serious trauma, which is why prompt medical care is always recommended.

According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, tens of thousands of injury-causing accidents occur on New Jersey roads each year. The force involved in a crash, whether from the front, rear, or side, can inflict significant physical and psychological harm.

Here are some of the most common injuries our clients at Mallon and Tranger have suffered after a New Jersey car accident:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

• Caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck during a rear-end or side-impact crash.
• Symptoms may include neck stiffness, pain, headaches, and difficulty turning the head.
• Often dismissed initially as “just soreness,” but can develop into chronic neck or spine issues without proper treatment.
• Whiplash is especially common in low-speed collisions, making it one of the most underappreciated injuries.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

• Occur when the head strikes a surface (like a window or steering wheel) or even from the violent shaking of the brain inside the skull.
• TBIs range from mild concussions to life-altering brain damage.
• Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and changes in mood or behavior.
• Long-term effects may include cognitive impairment, speech difficulties, or loss of motor skills.
• Car accidents are among the leading causes of TBIs in New Jersey.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Herniated Discs

• The spine absorbs a tremendous amount of force during a crash.
• Damage may range from herniated or slipped discs (causing pain and mobility issues) to full or partial paralysis.
• Spinal cord injuries may affect mobility, bladder/bowel control, and quality of life.
• Recovery may require surgery, physical therapy, or even lifetime assistance with daily tasks.

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Common fracture sites include the ribs, arms, wrists, hips, legs, and collarbones.
• Occur due to direct impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag deployment.
• Recovery may involve casts, surgeries, pins or plates, and physical therapy.
• In older adults, broken bones, especially hips, can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

• Not always visible externally but extremely serious.
• May affect organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs.
• Signs include abdominal pain, swelling, dizziness, fainting, and deep bruising.
• Often requires emergency surgery and hospitalization.
• Internal injuries can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Lacerations, Contusions, and Soft Tissue Damage

• Caused by broken glass, sharp metal, seatbelt friction, or airbag deployment.
• May result in deep cuts, scarring, or infections.
• Bruising and swelling are often signs of deeper soft tissue damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
• These injuries can be deceptively painful and may restrict mobility for weeks or months.

Shoulder, Knee, and Joint Injuries

• Collisions often result in rotator cuff tears, ACL/MCL injuries, or dislocated joints.
• May stem from bracing during the crash or from side impacts.
• Joint injuries often require surgical intervention and months of rehabilitation.
• These injuries are common in T-bone accidents and rollovers in New Jersey.

Facial Injuries and Dental Damage

• Airbags, dashboard impact, or shattered glass can cause:
  • Broken noses
  • Jaw fractures
  • Lost or cracked teeth
  • Eye injuries
• These injuries often result in cosmetic surgeries, orthodontics, or long-term dental care.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

• The emotional toll of a car accident can be just as serious as the physical injuries.
• Victims may suffer from:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fear of driving or riding in cars
• Children and those involved in high-speed or fatal crashes are especially vulnerable.
• Emotional injuries often require ongoing counseling, therapy, and support.

Why Early Medical Treatment Matters

Some injuries do not surface immediately. Symptoms of concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage may appear hours or even days after the crash. Without prompt diagnosis, injuries can worsen or become more difficult to link to the accident for legal purposes.

That’s why it’s critical to:

• Visit the emergency room or urgent care after any accident
• Follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist
• Keep detailed medical records and reports

These steps not only protect your health but also strengthen your legal claim when pursuing compensation.

At Mallon and Tranger, we work with a trusted network of doctors, specialists, and medical experts across New Jersey to ensure our clients get the care they need and the documentation required to prove the full extent of their injuries.

Related: The factors that could lead to a car accident

Whether your injury happened in a fender bender in Freehold, a multi-vehicle pileup on the Parkway near Oakhurst, or a head-on collision in Middletown, we’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Determining Liability in a New Jersey Car Accident

Determining who is at fault in a car accident is one of the most important steps in recovering compensation for your injuries. In New Jersey, this process is governed by the state’s modified comparative negligence rule. Under this law, each party involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault. You can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your share of the blame.

How Comparative Negligence Works:

• If you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation award will be reduced by 20%.
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation under New Jersey law.

This system makes it essential to present a strong case supported by clear evidence. Insurance companies will often attempt to shift blame onto the injured party to reduce or deny a payout. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is critical to protecting your claim.

Key Factors in Establishing Liability:

• Police Reports: These reports often include important facts such as the officer’s opinion on fault, citations issued at the scene, and diagrams of how the accident occurred. These reports are often filed by local law enforcement or the New Jersey State Police.
• Witness Statements: Independent eyewitnesses can offer crucial, unbiased testimony about how the accident unfolded. Their accounts can support your version of events and challenge inaccurate claims made by the other driver.
• Traffic Camera and Dashcam Footage: Visual evidence from traffic lights, nearby businesses, or dashcams can provide undeniable proof of what occurred. This is especially useful in intersection accidents or hit-and-run scenarios.
• Accident Reconstruction Experts: These professionals analyze physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and impact angles to create a scientific interpretation of the crash. They’re often called in for high-speed collisions, multi-vehicle crashes, or cases involving severe injuries or fatalities.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

While liability typically falls on one or more drivers involved, other parties may also share responsibility:

• Vehicle manufacturers, if a defective part (such as brakes, tires, or airbags) contributed to the crash
• Commercial vehicle operators or employers, in trucking or delivery accidents
• Government agencies or contractors, if poor road design, inadequate signage, or potholes caused the crash
• Bars or restaurants, in Dram Shop cases where alcohol was served irresponsibly

At Mallon and Tranger, we explore every possible avenue to hold all negligent parties accountable and help our clients across New Jersey maximize their recovery.

Insurance and New Jersey Car Accidents

Understanding how insurance works in New Jersey is crucial after a car accident. The state operates under a “no-fault” insurance system, which means your own insurance pays for your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

This system is designed to speed up the claims process and reduce lawsuits for minor injuries. However, it also limits your ability to sue unless your injuries meet certain "serious injury thresholds."

What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

PIP is mandatory for all drivers in New Jersey. It covers:

• Medical treatment
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Essential services (like housekeeping if you’re unable to perform daily tasks)

However, PIP does not cover pain and suffering or property damage to your vehicle.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in New Jersey (as of 2023):

New Jersey drivers must carry at least the minimum liability coverage that applies to the policy type they choose. Most drivers opt for a standard policy, which (since 2023) can be no lower than $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage liability and must also include at least $15,000 in personal injury protection and a matching amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

A cheaper basic policy with only $5,000 property-damage liability and minimal PIP is still legal but offers very limited protection.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage?

• Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers your injuries if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Covers your losses if the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to fully compensate you.

While UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in New Jersey, it is highly recommended and can make a crucial difference, especially in hit-and-run accidents or cases involving minimum coverage drivers.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in New Jersey

In 2023, New Jersey reported 51 fatal hit-and-run accidents involving 76 vehicles. Thousands of additional hit-and-run accidents result in injuries, property damage, and medical bills that victims are left to deal with alone.

If the at-fault driver cannot be identified or is uninsured, your own UM coverage may be the only option for recovering damages.

Other Types of Auto Coverage to Consider:

• Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or weather damage
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay): Can supplement PIP and cover deductibles or co-pays
• Gap insurance: Pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe on a loan or lease if it’s totaled

At Mallon and Tranger, we help clients navigate the often confusing world of New Jersey car insurance, reviewing policy limits, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring that all available sources of compensation are fully explored.

How Can an Attorney Help After a New Jersey Car Accident?

Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough, but navigating the legal and insurance system afterward can feel overwhelming. Between mounting medical bills, time away from work, and confusing paperwork, many victims don’t know where to turn. That’s where the team at Mallon and Tranger comes in.

Our New Jersey car accident attorneys are experienced in handling every aspect of post-accident claims, from investigation to negotiation to litigation. We’re here to make the legal process as smooth and successful as possible so you can focus on healing.

Here’s how we help:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

• We begin with a free consultation to assess the details of your accident.
• We’ll help you understand your legal rights and options under New Jersey law.
• We determine whether your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold” that allows you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury claim.
• If applicable, we’ll also explore third-party liability, for example, in cases involving defective auto parts or unsafe road conditions.

Thorough Evidence Collection

A strong legal claim requires strong evidence. Our legal team will:

• Obtain and review police accident reports
• Gather medical records and bills to prove injury and financial losses
• Interview witnesses and gather their statements
• Analyze traffic camera footage or dashcam video, if available
• Collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists when needed
• Collect documentation of your property damage, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are not on your side, not even your own insurance company. Their goal is to minimize payouts, often pressuring victims into accepting lowball settlements or trying to shift partial blame to reduce compensation.

We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers so you don’t have to. Our attorneys:

• Fight for a full and fair settlement based on the true cost of your injuries
• Push back against unjust denials or delays
• Understand how to leverage medical evidence and legal precedent to strengthen your claim
• Advise you before accepting any offer because once you settle, you can’t go back for more

Representation in Litigation

While many car accident claims settle outside of court, some require litigation, especially when the insurance company refuses to pay what’s fair. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be fully prepared to represent you in court, including:

• Filing a lawsuit within New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations
• Preparing for depositions, discovery, and expert testimony
• Presenting a compelling case before a judge or jury
• Seeking the maximum award possible under New Jersey law

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Every accident is different, and the compensation available depends on the facts of your case. However, many of our clients are eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses
  • Emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical needs
  • Rehabilitation, assistive devices, and medications
  • Mental health treatment related to accident trauma
• Lost wages and lost earning potential
  • Time missed from work
  • Reduced earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your job
• Pain and suffering
  • Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress
  • Damages for loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
  • Repair or replacement of your vehicle
  • Reimbursement for rental cars, towing, and other costs
• Punitive damages
  • Awarded in rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, such as a drunk driving accident or intentional misconduct

At Mallon and Tranger, we handle your claim with professionalism and tenacity, working tirelessly to ensure you’re not left covering costs that should be paid by those responsible.

Contact Mallon and Tranger Today if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, you don’t have to face the insurance companies and legal process alone. Whether your crash occurred in Howell, Middletown, Freehold, or anywhere across the state, Mallon and Tranger is here to help.

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling:

• Rear-end and T-bone collisions
• Head-on and multi-vehicle crashes
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Drunk driving or distracted driving accidents
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
• Serious injury and wrongful death cases

We’re more than just legal advocates; we’re trusted advisors who will guide you every step of the way. From the moment you contact us, we treat your case with the urgency and care it deserves. We handle car accident cases for injured victims throughout the state of New Jersey as well as a wide range of other personal injury cases, such as: 

• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Workers’ compensation
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites
• And more

Initial consultations are free. Call Mallon and Tranger today or connect with us online to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve and come see how we can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in New Jersey

• New Jersey’s Basic Auto Insurance Policy: Official NJ Department of Banking and Insurance overview of the Basic Policy, who should consider it, penalties for driving uninsured, and how it compares to the Standard Policy. Key points include no bodily injury liability by default with an optional 10,000 limit, 5,000 property damage liability, 15,000 PIP with up to 250,000 for certain injuries, no UM or UIM coverage, and inclusion of the limited right to sue.
• CDC Transportation Safety: Clear overview of CDC’s transportation safety work, explaining why motor vehicle crashes are a leading public health concern and pointing to evidence based prevention strategies. The page highlights 2022 impacts in the United States, including nearly 44,000 deaths, over 2.6 million emergency department visits, and an estimated 470 billion dollars in total costs. It also links to topics like seat belts, distracted and impaired driving, teen and older drivers, pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle safety, plus tools for states and tribes such as MV PICCS and the WISQARS fatal injury trends chart.
• Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatalities in the U.S.: 2023 Data & Trends: Explore the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest statistics on passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in the United States. This resource details how many drivers and passengers in cars, SUVs, and pickups died in 2023, breaking down crash types such as frontal, side, and rollover collisions. It also highlights trends over time and differences by age, sex, and seating position, offering valuable insight into the scenarios most likely to cause fatalities and the areas where safety improvements can save lives.